swing 1 of 2

1
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction thinking that we were being followed, we abruptly swung to the left at the next intersection swing right at James St.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something) at the sound of gunfire, the cavalry officer swung his horse around and galloped rapidly back to the fort

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis he swung the bat as hard as he could but he missed the ball don't let the wind swing that gate shut

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5
as in to hang
to place on an elevated point without support from below beach towels swung up to dry on the lifeguard's high chair

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

swing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swing are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When might fluctuate be a better fit than swing?

Although the words fluctuate and swing have much in common, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use oscillate instead of swing?

The words oscillate and swing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When could sway be used to replace swing?

While in some cases nearly identical to swing, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can undulate be used instead of swing?

In some situations, the words undulate and swing are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Where would vibrate be a reasonable alternative to swing?

The meanings of vibrate and swing largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

In what contexts can waver take the place of swing?

While the synonyms waver and swing are close in meaning, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of swing
Verb
Cassidy was considered a key swing vote during the confirmation process in January. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025 As Americans wrap up their summer trips and students get in the swing of a new school year, Labor Day weekend can feel like the last hurrah after months of hot weather and relaxation. Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
As costumed performers and children with baskets of treats paraded through the community, bright orange whistles swung from their necks, each one ready to cut through the music should federal immigration agents appear. Priscilla Alvarez, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 Momentum continued to swing in Team USA's favor as Tommy Morrison secured another 3-and-2 win against Niall Shiels Donegan. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing
Verb
  • The Uncut Gems star's ensemble deviates from his signature style, which typically includes oversize T-shirts, hoodies and shorts, as well as stylish sneakers.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The manager did not believe a lineup that had slugged the most home runs in the National League needed to deviate from its identity to finally produce runs with a modicum of consistency.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Their next goal is to turn the system into a practical tool for early fire detection.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
  • While wildfire season in Arizona used to arrive in spring and reliably end by the monsoon, fire seasons have turned into fire years as the blazes become more erratic and frequent.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When writers see and manipulate structure, words become poetry.
    Rebecca Coffey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Cyrus was quick to defend herself, implying her words had been manipulated by the Times.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Over the years, the series has also seen a rotating roster of hosts, including current faces Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, rotating pans about halfway through.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Pick the stems once the seeds have begun to dry and brown, then loosely bundle them and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place to dry completely, about one or two weeks.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • However, weak economic data seems to hang like a dark cloud over investors.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At a rate like that, the Yankees and Mets are two of the teams that could afford to bring him in.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In the digital space, where accessing in-demand and innovative technology talent is incredibly competitive, businesses cannot afford to waste time and resources on bad hiring.
    David Rai, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The precise shape of your eyes and your habitual eye movements can both inform the shape of your lenses.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • After weeks of no movement, the slugger ended up re-signing with the Mets on a two-year deal worth $54 million.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mamdani has since rebuffed his position on police, instead calling for tactical shifts in operation.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • These ingredients reflect a growing shift in pet wellness away from simply slowing joint deterioration and toward rebuilding comfort, restoring flexibility, and reducing inflammation at the source.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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